Embracing Humility in Addiction

Closeup portrait of a young woman spending time in prayer on a wooden chair.

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The struggle with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is a complex issue. Many individuals who find themselves addicted to a substance, whether it be street drugs, prescription medications, illicit drugs, and/or alcohol, arrived at that point due to a variety of factors, which include genetics and biology, as well as environmental and psychosocial factors.

Because addition is such a complex issue, recovery must be multifaceted and comprehensive as well to approach the root of the problem.

Admitting Your Struggle with Addiction

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects about beginning the recovery journey from addiction is becoming humble enough to admit the struggle and ask for help. The consequences of addiction are devastating and impact not only the addict struggling, but their loved ones, family, and friends as well.

Admitting a struggle with an addiction can bring about many uncertainties, fear, shame, misunderstanding and more. This can make it more difficult to let go of the pride that may be holding a person back from getting the help the need to recovery.

Dealing with the Phase of Denial

Addictions are also tricky in that there is typically a phase of denial or minimization of the reality of the struggle that is present. A person may not understand the depth or severity of their addiction until presented with an intervention by professionals, family members, and friends.

woman with dogWherever you may find yourself in the struggle with addiction, embracing and practicing humility can become a key part of your journey. While it is hard to lay down your pride and forgo many of the expectations you may have had, this is an essential aspect to finding recovery from addiction. Humility can be defined as humbleness, or a modest view of one’s own importance.

Humility Is a Gateway to Recovery

Many people misunderstand this as not having any self-worth or importance, but actually the opposite is quite true. Humility often serves as a gateway to possibilities that actually serve, benefit, and support your life in more ways than you thought possible.

Having this mindset throughout your addiction journey can benefit you tremendously as you being the recovery process.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What key aspects of humility have helped you in your recovery journey from addiction? What does it mean to you to embrace humility in addiction recovery?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 26th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com